After the ceremony was over, Duoji was supposed to return to the Snowfield, but his family and clan members remained in the Capital City as leverage against him.
Not long after, Duoji appeared on horseback, dressed in the dark blue official robe of Yan Country, with a red cloak over it. A squad of the imperial guard followed him, as his red hair fluttered wildly in the wind and snow.
"Uncle!" Duoji shouted excitedly upon seeing Gu Lan. He dismounted, refusing Basang's help, and limped over to Gu Lan.
The imperial guard behind Duoji saluted in unison, "Greetings, Princely Heir."
Gu Lan said, "You're now the Marquis Zhongcheng, no need to salute me."
Duoji scratched his head with a smile and said, "I-I'm just used to it."
Gu Lan also dismounted, glancing at the imperial guards behind him, and said, "You're about to return to the Snowfield, and this is all the Emperor gives you?"
